Colombia issues alerts on rising sea levels and water‑use inspections amid El Niño concerns

The General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR) warned coastal communities in the Pacific departments of Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Nariño that a spring‑tide surge linked to a new‑moon alignment could raise sea levels sharply, with Tumaco expected to see a high tide of up to 3.95 m on 17 July 2026. The agency cautioned that combined high tides and stronger currents may cause flooding in vulnerable shoreline areas such as Bahía Solano, Guapi, Juanchaco, Buenaventura and Tumaco, and advised fishermen, small vessels and tourists to take extra safety measures.

Separately, the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca (CAR) intensified inspections of water concessions, targeting users drawing more than 10 L s⁻¹ and those between 1–10 L s⁻¹, to ensure compliance with technical, environmental and conservation requirements amid expectations of a strong El Niño event. Since April, CAR has conducted over 500 site visits, verifying capture infrastructure, flow rates, environmental compensations and the implementation of its Efficient Water Use Programme (PUEAA). The effort aims to safeguard water availability for agricultural, domestic, industrial and energy purposes across the region.